Monroe zoo applies to get license back

Delayed splash pad promised before the end of the summer

11:44 PM,
Jul. 7, 2014

Director Joe Clawson predicts the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo's new splash pad will open before children return to school. Winter and spring weather wreaked havoc on construction of the project that was scheduled to open in May.

Written by

Greg Hilburn
Gannett Louisiana

Monroe's Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo could regain its exhibit license by this fall if it passes a United States Department of Agriculture inspection.

Director Joe Clawson also said the zoo's new splash pad will be open before children return to school after winter and spring weather wreaked havoc on construction of the $400,000 project that was scheduled to open in May.

The zoo lost its exhibit license this year after Clawson and his staff failed to mail the zoo's annual renewal application to the USDA by deadline. That means Monroe's zoo will be evaluated as if it were a brand new ...